What Is Manuka Honey? Origins, Benefits, Grades & Uses

There’s honey, and then there’s Manuka honey. Sourced from the nectar of New Zealand’s native Manuka bush, this golden superfood is prized not just for its rich taste but for its powerful antibacterial and health-supporting properties. Whether you're new to Manuka or wondering which UMF grade is right for you, this guide covers everything you need to know, from how it’s made to what makes it unique, how it’s used for wellness and skincare, and how to choose the best Manuka honey for your needs.

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a rare, monofloral honey made by bees that pollinate the Manuka flower (Leptospermum scoparium), a native shrub found in remote regions of New Zealand. Unlike regular honey, well-known for its antibacterial properties, high nutritional content, and unique health benefits.

What makes Manuka honey different? Its unique properties stem from a combination of naturally occurring compounds, including methylglyoxal (MGO)—a key component known for its antibacterial power. These compounds are measured through the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) grading system, which assesses purity, potency, and quality. Thanks to this distinctive profile and a growing body of scientific research, UMF Manuka honey has earned a trusted place in wellness routines, skincare, and even clinical settings around the world.

While MGO is important, it’s only part of the story. The UMF grading system goes further by measuring multiple key compounds, including MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin, to ensure the honey’s potency, purity, and authenticity. It’s the most trusted standard for genuine Manuka honey from New Zealand.

Quick Facts:

• Only produced in New Zealand
• The flower blooms for just 2–6 weeks a year
• Independently tested and certified for authenticity
• Packed with 2,000+ bioactive compounds that give Manuka honey its unique potency

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Whether taken by the spoonful or applied to the skin, Manuka honey offers a wide range of benefits:

Supports Immune Health

High-grade UMF Manuka honey is rich in MGO, which helps fight bacteria and may aid the body’s natural defenses, especially during cold and flu season.

Support Digestive Health

Known to soothe the gut, Manuka honey may help ease symptoms of indigestion and aid digestive health.

Soothes Coughs & Sore Throats

Thanks to its thick texture and antibacterial potency, Manuka honey is a trusted remedy for upper respiratory symptoms.

Skin & Wound Healing

Used in medical-grade settings for its ability to clean wounds and reduce inflammation, it’s also a favorite in DIY masks for acne-prone or dry skin.

Antioxidant Protection

The naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in Manuka honey may help neutralize free radicals, associated with oxidative stress and premature aging.

Pre-workout Boost

Manuka honey offers a clean, fast-absorbing source of natural energy, ideal before workouts or busy days, plus added wellness benefits you won’t get from typical sugars.

Manuka Honey Grades Explained: UMF vs MGO

When shopping for Manuka honey, it’s easy to get lost in the labels. With terms like UMF, MGO, and “multifloral” on the jar, it can be difficult to know what you’re really buying, or how strong it actually is. Not all Manuka honey is created equal, and understanding how it's graded is key to choosing the right one for your needs. Whether you’re looking for daily wellness support or a more potent, therapeutic-grade honey, here’s what you need to know.

UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor)

UMF™ is the gold standard for authentic Manuka honey. Certified by the UMF™ Honey Association in New Zealand, this rating verifies a product’s purity, potency, and authenticity. It measures four key signature compounds that are unique to genuine Manuka:

• MGO (Methylglyoxal): The main compound responsible for Manuka’s antibacterial activity
• DHA (Dihydroxyacetone): Naturally present in Manuka nectar and the precursor to MGO
• Leptosperin: Found only in Manuka nectar and a marker of authenticity
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): Indicates freshness and proper storage

To carry a UMF™ rating, the honey must also be:

• Monofloral (primarily from the Manuka flower)
• Sourced, tested, and packed in New Zealand
• Independently verified and traceable

UMF ratings range from UMF 5+ to UMF 20+ or higher.

The higher the UMF™, the more concentrated the bioactive compounds, and the stronger the honey’s potential benefits. Unlike MGO, which measures only one compound (methylglyoxal), UMF is a more comprehensive standard. It includes MGO plus other critical markers like DHA and Leptosperin, and is independently tested and regulated in New Zealand to ensure authenticity, purity, and potency.

MGO (Methylglyoxal)

MGO is one of the key active compounds in Manuka honey and the primary contributor to its antibacterial strength. The number on the label reflects the milligrams of MGO per kilogram of honey (e.g., MGO 263+ means 263 mg/kg).

The higher the MGO, the stronger the antibacterial potential.
However, MGO is only one part of what UMF™ measures, and doesn’t account for authenticity, freshness, or purity on its own.

How to Use Manuka Honey Every Day

Whether you're supporting immunity, looking for a natural skin remedy, or simply seeking a cleaner sweetener, Manuka honey fits seamlessly into your everyday routine. Its versatility goes beyond the spoon, just be mindful to keep it away from high heat to maintain its full benefits.

• Daily Spoonful
  Enjoy it straight off the spoon or stir into warm water that’s cooled slightly—perfect for a gentle daily immune boost without compromising its natural potency.
• In Your Routine
  • Add to herbal teas, coffees, smoothies, or warm lemon water (once cooled to a sip-safe temperature)
  • Drizzle over yogurt, granola, or toast after serving
  • Blend into salad dressings, dips, or wellness shots—but avoid cooking or baking with it at high heat to preserve its beneficial compounds
  • Use as a natural face mask or spot treatment for skin hydration and clarity
• For Kids & Families
  Try for lower UMF grades (like 5+ or 10+) as part of a daily wellness routine.
  Note: Honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age.

How to Choose the Best Manuka Honey

There are many Manuka honey brands, but not all are created equal. Here’s what to look for:

• UMF Certification: Guarantees the honey is monofloral, independently tested, and free from adulteration
• Made in New Zealand: Only New Zealand Manuka is held to MPI and UMF standards
• Grading Transparency: Look for UMF and MGO values clearly labeled
• Traceability: Top producers like Comvita trace every jar back to its hive
• Other Quality Certifications:
  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • Certified Glyphosate Free
  • Certified Gluten Free
  • Kosher
  • Halal

Choosing the Right Grade

Not sure which Manuka honey strength is right for you? It all depends on how you plan to use it. Lower grades are great for daily wellness and general use, while higher grades offer more potent antibacterial support for targeted needs like digestion or skin concerns. Use the guide below to help match the UMF or MGO level to your specific goals:

FAQs About Manuka Honey

What does Manuka honey do?

Manuka honey supports the immune system, soothes sore throats, aids digestion, and is used topically for wound healing and skin irritation.

How is Manuka honey made?

Bees pollinate Manuka flowers, which bloom only 2–6 weeks each year. Back at the hive, they transform the nectar into honey that’s naturally rich in MGO, a compound known for its antibacterial power, along with DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), Leptosperin, and HMF. These compounds are part of what makes Manuka honey so unique, and are used to measure its quality through the UMF™ grading system.

What makes Manuka honey unique?

Its non-peroxide antibacterial activity, derived from MGO and other phytochemicals, sets it apart from other honey types.

Is UMF better than MGO?

Yes, UMF is a more comprehensive standard that includes MGO, DHA, and Leptosperin. It’s independently verified and regulated in New Zealand.

Why should you look at more than the MGO factor?

While MGO (methylglyoxal) is a key indicator of Manuka honey’s antibacterial strength, it only tells part of the story. UMF™ (Unique Manuka Factor) is a more complete and reliable standard that ensures you're getting a pure, potent, and genuine New Zealand Manuka honey.

The UMF™ rating includes four critical markers:

• MGO – Measures antibacterial strength.
• Leptosperin – A naturally occurring compound unique to Manuka, and a key marker of authenticity that cannot be added artificially.
• DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) – A precursor to MGO that ensures the honey will retain its potency over time.
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural) – Indicates whether the honey has been overheated or aged, which can reduce effectiveness and shelf life.

Brands that use MGO-only labeling don’t account for authenticity or long-term quality. UMF™ is the only globally recognized and independently verified system that tests for all four factors and ensures the honey was harvested, packed, and tested in New Zealand, where real Manuka honey comes from.

When you see the UMF™ mark, you know you’re getting the real deal.

Where can I buy real Manuka honey?

Only buy honey that’s UMF™ certified and packed in New Zealand. Shop directly from Comvita or verified retailers.

Conclusion

Manuka honey isn’t just another health trend, it’s a natural powerhouse backed by science, nurtured by nature, and cared for by real beekeepers. At Comvita, we’ve spent over 50 years pioneering the highest standards in Manuka honey, from sustainable hive practices to world-leading quality testing. With its rare bloom cycle and powerful natural compounds, every spoonful of UMF™ Manuka honey is a gift from the hive, and a reflection of Comvita’s commitment to purity, potency, and protecting the wellness of people and planet.